Mali, the largest country in West Africa, is bordered by seven other states: Algeria lies to the north and northeast, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso to the southeast and, with the Ivory Coast, to the south.
Mali is divided into eight regions (régions) and one district.
Each region has a governor.
Public education in Mali is in principle provided free of charge and is compulsory for nine years between the ages of seven and sixteen.
Mali faces numerous health challenges related to poverty.
Islam came to west Africa in the 11th century and remains the predominant religion in most countries in that region.
An estimated 90% of Malians are Muslim.
capital city of Bamako
Mali's independence from France in 1960
The River Niger runs deep into Mali's Sahara desert
Climate: Mali's climate is subtropical to arid. It is very hot and dry from February to June; rainy, humid, and mild from June to November; and cool and dry from November to February.
Mali, the largest country in West Africa
Although more than 40 African languages are spoken in the country, French is the official language
Almost 65% of the land of Mali is a desert which limits the economic activities to the area which is irrigated by the Niger River.
Birth rate is on average 7.4 per woman
Mali is home to some 15.8 million people
Many Malians are subsistence farmers, raising millet, sorghum, rice and corn
the country's third-largest export after cotton and livestock is gold
Le Mali 2013 (Caroline et Nicole)
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